What to See In Your Town/City/Hamlet

[Wildcat Larry]

I thought it might be a good thread for people to list some of the sights to see in the town where they live. I'll start it out.

I live in Montgomery, Alabama and here's some things to see.

The Civil Rights Memorial
The Rosa Parks Museum
The State Capitol Building
The Shakespeare Festival
Hank Williams Grave
The Little White House of the Confederacy
The spot the Jefferson Davis was sworn in as president of the Confederacy
Huntingdon College
F. Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald's House
Union Station and Train Shed
Governor's Mansion

[capcat]

I'm in Austin, Texas, and here are a few things you might want to see or do if you visit...

In the spring:
Go to South by Southwest (SXSW) film and music festival March 7-16.

In the summer:
Go to Schlitterbahn Waterpark in New Braunfels. More trees than concrete in the original part, and it's right on the Comal River.

In the spring/summer/early fall:
Watch the bats (1.5 million Mexican free-tails) fly out from under the Congress Ave. bridge on their nightly journey.
Go to Austin City Limits music festival Sept. 26-28 in Zilker Park. Around 130 bands.

Anytime:
-Stay in downtown Austin in one of the newer hotels or an historic one, like the Driskill. See Congress Avenue, the state Capital building, the Frost
Bank Tower, Bob Bullock Texas History Museum, the IMAX etc.
-Go for a morning run or walk on the Hike and Bike trail along Town Lake.
--Swim almost year-round in the waters of Barton Springs in Zilker Park, or Deep Eddy, which is fed by a hand-dug artesian well, built in 1936.
-Make reservations to visit the observation deck of the UT tower. You can get a view of the city, and this is the place where Charles Whitman went on his shooting spree in 1966. Head east on campus and walk by Darrell K. Royal Memorial Stadium, which is a pretty awesome place, named for one of my favorite football coaches. A little further east on campus, you can visit the LBJ library.
-Visit the Warehouse district (around 4th street) for bars, etc.
-Visit the South Congress Avenue district (SoCo) for some funky shopping and an idea of what they mean when they say "Keep Austin Weird". While you're there, go to Allen's boots, and to Guero's taco bar. Last time we were there, Lyle Lovett was too. Later in the day, see who's playing at the Continental Club.
-If the timing is right, check to see if you can get tickets to Austin City Limits. Right now, it's located on the UT campus.
-Go for a drive on Capital of Texas Highway for a view of the hills surrounding the city, the skyline, cliff-side homes, and the arched Pennybacker bridge over Lake Austin.

Local Restaurants:
-Matt's El Rancho
-El Patio
-Guero's
-Threadgill's (the one on North Lamar is Kenneth Threadgill's former place,
where Janis Joplin used to hang out and sing) The one downtown
is located near the old (and sadly, gone) Armadillo World Headquarters of the 1970's.
Both are owned by Eddie Wilson, who started the Armadillo.
This is the place to try a chicken-fried steak.
-The Salt Lick is about a 30-40 minute drive, but it's worth it for great
Texas bbq. Bring a small ice chest with your own beer.
-If you're out late, go to Katz's for breakfast or whatever. Katz's never
closes.
-Get a greasy hamburger and fries or onion rings at Dirty Martin's on Guadalupe. They've been in business for 80 years.
-Drive out to Lake Travis for a meal at Hudson's on the Bend. If you don't mind the prices and if you like wild game, you'll enjoy this place and its menu selections of such things as rattlesnake cakes. They also have an excellent selection of wines.

There are so many places in Austin to listen to live music, which is why it bills itself as the live music capital of the world. Pick up a free Austin Chronicle almost anywhere and check out the listings. Stubbs is one place that comes to mind as a venue.
For an old fashioned honky tonk, go to the Broken Spoke.
If you want to see some basketball, check out the schedule for the Austin Toros. It's an NBADL team that plays in the Austin Convention Center. If you're not a fan of anyone on this team, you can sometimes catch the play of someone whose career you do follow on a visiting team, like the Ft. Worth Flyers.

[Jeff Craddock]

I thought it might be a good thread for people to list some of the sights to see in the town where they live. I'll start it out.

I live in Montgomery, Alabama and here's some things to see.

....F. Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald's House


I live in Montgomery County, Maryland and here is one thing to see....

....F. Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald's graves. (In a small Catholic cemetery in Rockville, MD)

http://www.sc.edu/fitzgerald/jpegs/grave.jpeg

[surveyor]

Mount Washington..........

Not a damned thing.

Really. :icon_lol:

Bullitt County?

Jim Beam Outpost and Distillery - Clermont, Ky.
Bernheim Forest - Clermont, Ky.
Numerous hiking trails and a mountain bike trail near Beam Distillery. Approx. 29k acres.
Knob State Forest - south of Bernheim Forest.
Brooks Hill Winery - Brooks, Ky. Just opened in September of `07
Wight-Meyer Winery - Shepherdsville, KY - opened last summer

Knob Creek Gun Range - Eastern Bullitt County near Dixie Hwy

[Littlemeyer]

Not a damned thing.

Really. :icon_lol:



Sounds like Marion. We're better known for being "close" to stuff. (close to Paducah...close to LBL...close to Kentucky Dam...close to Patti's Restaurant...close to Cave-in-Rock...etc.)

But, we do have a thriving Amish community, as well as ferry-boat access into Illinois. Pretty interesting, I suppose. :thumbup:

[RP_McMurphy]

Hall Of Waters- Art Deco building from the thirties

Elms Hotel- Harry Truman spent election night 48 there.

Jesse James Birthplace and grave

Site of the first MLB spring training in 1903

Lexington Court House from the 1830's with Civil War damage still evident

Battle of Lexington battlefield.....you can still see the trenches.

Missouri River---there are some drives no more than 5 yards from the river and in winter you get see some cool ice flows

[BOURBON TOWN CAT FAN]

Bardstown, KY

My Old Kentucky Home (Federal Hill)
Old Talbott Tavern
Abbey of Gethsemani
Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral
Sisters of Charity of Nazareth
Civil War Museum of the Western Theatre
Four Roses Distillery
Heaven Hill Distilleries Bourbon Heritage Center
Jim Beam Distillery
Maker's Mark Distillery
My Old Kentucky Dinner Train
Old Bardstown Village
Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History
Springhill Winery
Stephen Foster - The Musical
Wickland, Home of Three Governors
Women of the Civil War Museum

[jkeller]

Lexington:

Keeneland
:widcat:THE CATS!!!!!!:widcat:

[TrueblueCATfan]

Louisville

Derby Museum
Churchill Downs
Louisville Slugger Museum..

[gerntz]

Villa Hills: Not much, but best part is that no one comes there unless you're coming there. No thru roads to anywhere else. Hemmed in by river to north & deep ravine to west. Net, it's a quiet oasis in a busy area.
- OH River Overlooks
- Buried Civil War treasure on the nuns' Villa Madonna property - so they say
- Civic Club bar
- That's it!

[UKcat]

Bardstown, KY

My Old Kentucky Home (Federal Hill)
Old Talbott Tavern
Abbey of Gethsemani
Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral
Sisters of Charity of Nazareth
Civil War Museum of the Western Theatre
Four Roses Distillery
Heaven Hill Distilleries Bourbon Heritage Center
Jim Beam Distillery
Maker's Mark Distillery
My Old Kentucky Dinner Train
Old Bardstown Village
Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History
Springhill Winery
Stephen Foster - The Musical
Wickland, Home of Three Governors
Women of the Civil War Museum
You left out El Camino Real Mexican restaurant and El Jimador!!!!
By far, the best mexican reataurants I have ever eaten at anywhere...............................and I have eaten at a lot of them in many states:icon_mrgreen:
Don't forget happy hour; 2 till 7; best 1.99 margaritas you will ever get on the rocks.

[kateyes]

Henderson KY

Nothing. Ellis Park if you like horse racing. Can't say Evansville has a lot to offer either--Casino Aztar. Maybe that is why shopping is pretty good for the size town. We have a Stein Mart. :icon_mrgreen:

[sardiscat]

"Knob Creek Gun Range - Eastern Bullitt County near Dixie Hwy"

Ever taken in the machine gun shoot? Saw it on Mail Call. Looked to be a hoot.

[surveyor]

"Knob Creek Gun Range - Eastern Bullitt County near Dixie Hwy"

Ever taken in the machine gun shoot? Saw it on Mail Call. Looked to be a hoot.

No, but I've got some gun enthusiast friends who go see it.

It's been years since I've been out there.

[ukwebfan]

Newport attractions-
Newport Aquarium (http://www.newportaquarium.com/)
Newport on the Levee (http://www.newportonthelevee.com/)
Mansion Hill Neighborhood (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Row_Historic_District)
World Peace Bell (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Peace_Bell)
L&N Bridge (http://www.historicbridges.org/ohio/purplepeople/index.htm)
Campbell County Courthouse (http://cmsimg.nky.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=AB&Date=20071205&Category=NEWS0103&ArtNo=712050364&Ref=AR&Profile=1059&MaxW=600&title=1)

Restaurants-
Green Derby
Dixie Chili (http://www.dixiechili.com/)
Hofbrau Haus (http://www.hofbrauhausnewport.com/)
Brio ( http://www.brioitalian.com/)
Pompilios (http://www.pompilios.com/)
Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant

Entertainment-
Southgate House (http://www.southgatehouse.com/NewWebsite/HOME.htm)
Newport Festivals (http://www.newportky.gov/inner_main.php?secid=149)
Shadow Box Cabaret (www.shadowboxcabaret.com)
Stained Glass Theatre (http://www.footlighters.org/location.html)
Monmouth Theatre (http://www.monmouththeatre.com/)

[BrassowFan]

I grew up in Louisville, currently live in Columbus and am considering moving to San Francisco within the next few weeks so I'll try to capture them all.

Louisville

Waterfront Park - The best thing the city has actually developed in the last 30 years
Cherokee Park - The crown jewel of Louisville
Big Rock (at Cherokee Park) - One of my favorite spots in the world
Seneca Park - Great place to walk and people watch on a spring afternoon
Ali Center - Nice to see Louisville reconnect with Ali
Speed Museum - Not exactly the greatest museum but worth a visit
Bardstown Road - Whether it's to eat, drink or just watch others, it's a wonderful place to be.
The Seelbach Hotel - A beautiful place!
Columbus

Easton Towne Center - The best, and most comprehensive, shopping center I've ever been to.
Nationwide Arena - The upper level seats are uncomfortable but it's a nice arena and a prefect example of how cities should develop around them.
The Shoe - You don't have to be a Buckeye fan to appreciate the environment around the football games
The Short North - A nice collection of restaurants and galleries
San Francisco

The Golden Gate Bridge - Privately funded by the fine folks of San Francisco, it's a mastery of function and art.
Fisherman's Wharf - A total tourist trap that you cannot pass up.
Alcatraz - Everyone who visits the city should make the trip out to America's infamous prison
Twin Peaks - The highest point in the city with incredible views
Coit Tower - Honors the brave fireman of the city while providing incredible views.
Golden Gate Park - I can think of a million worse ways to spend a nice afternoon, and only a few better
Palace of Fine Arts - Beautiful relic of the Exposition and contains an incredible museum
Trolley Cars - Not the most comfortable ride but sure are welcome after a day of walking
Nob Hill - Great hotels and a wealth of history
Grace Cathedral - Beautiful enough to make a believer of anyone
ok, I could go on & on when it comes to San Francisco...

[capcat]

I agree about larger cities like San Francisco. It's amazing the list you could come up with. I was in Seattle last weekend, and the difference between what there is to do there and where I live now was huge. Regarding Alcatraz, I've heard you have to book trips several days in advance now, which is different from when I was there last. If you were visiting only for the weekend and didn't book ahead, you could miss out. It's a pretty depressing place but worth the visit, if you take the audio tour.

[lighthouse]

I went to school in Hanson Ky. The only thing there was a speed trap.

And Wayne Oakley still has the record for the most points scored in a HS game, 114 against St Agnes in 1956, I think.

[BrassowFan]

Regarding Alcatraz, I've heard you have to book trips several days in advance now, which is different from when I was there last. If you were visiting only for the weekend and didn't book ahead, you could miss out. It's a pretty depressing place but worth the visit, if you take the audio tour.

I would strongly suggest booking the trip to Alcatraz at least a week in advance. I've seen families get out to the wharf only to get disappointed that they are sold out.

I've been to Alcatraz many times over the course of the last 20 years and while the place itself doesn't change, they do a very good job at adding subtle changes that make each tour a little different. If you're really into spooking yourself out, they offer flashlight tours one night each week (I think on Thursdays).

BTW, I was also in Seattle recently, about 3 weeks ago, and think it's a tremendous place to visit. I drove up there from Portland for one day so I didn't get to see very much but it was enough that I know that I will go back. It's a very clean place, the people were friendly and just had a sense of energy about it that pulled me right in.

[capcat]

I agree...and I like the fact that Seattle is one of those places with a vibrant downtown area. My son lived in downtown Seattle when he was stationed there and could walk down to Pike's Market and buy fresh seafood, vegetables, etc. Also, step just outside of his apartment building and go to coffee shops, a jazz bar and restaurants on the same street. I wouldn't mind living that way.
I also like the fact that there's always music. Musicians pay for a sidewalk spot and bring pianos, fiddles, whatever they play. All that I heard were pretty talented.

[kateyes]

I went to school in Hanson Ky. The only thing there was a speed trap.

And Wayne Oakley still has the record for the most points scored in a HS game, 114 against St Agnes in 1956, I think.

There is a high school in Hanson??? Was that before consolidation?

[UKSam]

Bardstown, KY

My Old Kentucky Home (Federal Hill)
Old Talbott Tavern
Abbey of Gethsemani
Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral
Sisters of Charity of Nazareth
Civil War Museum of the Western Theatre
Four Roses Distillery
Heaven Hill Distilleries Bourbon Heritage Center
Jim Beam Distillery
Maker's Mark Distillery
My Old Kentucky Dinner Train
Old Bardstown Village
Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History
Springhill Winery
Stephen Foster - The Musical
Wickland, Home of Three Governors
Women of the Civil War Museum

We are coming to Bardstown for a couple of days this summer. I do not want to drag my family to all of the Distillery's. Which would be the best to do from an entertainment standpoint, not necessarly the best bourbon standpoint?

[UKSam]

I went to school in Hanson Ky. The only thing there was a speed trap.

And Wayne Oakley still has the record for the most points scored in a HS game, 114 against St Agnes in 1956, I think.


Very good Catfish place there now.

[UKSam]

Evansville calls itself a small city. However I would classify it as a large town. For it's size there are several neat things to do but I would probably not "plan" a trip.

Evansville Otters/Bosse Field. The Otters are a Frontier League team but Bosse Field is the third oldest active baseball stadium in the United States (behind Wrigley and Fenway) Most of the movie "A League of their Own" was filmed here. You can still take a family of four and for 30 bucks get seats, hotdogs, softdrinks and still have change for a beer.

WestSide Fall Festival - Proclaimed as the second largest street festival in the country. (Not verified). Several blocks of Franklin Street are closed for hundreds of food booths operated by local civic groups.

Summer Freedom Festival - Hydroplane racing and air show.

Casino Aztar- The first riverboat in Indiana going downhill since the other boats have opened but they will still gladly take your money.

Small but nice Children's museum.

Ellis Park- The address is in Kentucky but it is actually on the North side of the Ohio River. A great afternoon event.

[Terry L. Wildcat]

If you google in Money Magazine/Louisville, Colorado you can get a feel for our town...as a place to live we have great open space trails and beautiful views of the Rockies. Also, we are ten minutes from Boulder and sevety-five minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park. I feel lucky to live here and WCN folks are always welcome to visit.

[surveyor]

We are coming to Bardstown for a couple of days this summer. I do not want to drag my family to all of the Distillery's. Which would be the best to do from an entertainment standpoint, not necessarly the best bourbon standpoint?


Likely the Oscar Getz museum and the Heaven Hill Heritage center. The latter is a fairly new, expansive facility that is nearly much a museum of sorts as well.

Jim Beam and the Makers Mark distilleries are not in Bardstown - the Beam distillery isn't even in Nelson County. It's to the east in Bullitt County, thus lots of driving for sure to visit those places - especially if you're pressed for time.